Organisers of an ambulance service first responder recruitment drive in Barnoldswick Town Square are optimistic for the future.
Of the eight people who showed a firm interest in becoming a Community First Responder (CFR), four applications forms have been received by the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) Trust so far.
If all applicants are successful, this could increase the pool of responders covering Barnoldswick, Earby, Colne and Foulridge by 33% from the current number of 12, according to NWAS figures.
On the day, members of the public had the opportunity to look around a frontline ambulance and as well as learning more about the role of a CFR, they had the chance to take part in a CPR competition with the winner showing the best compression rate.
Jane Atkinson, Community Resuscitation Development Officer, said: “There was a great buzz about the place.
“The weather could have been better, however, this did not deter the group from getting out there and speaking with the public about the role of Community First Responders.
“We had eight people show interest in potentially volunteering as CFRs in the Barnoldswick and surrounding areas, which is fantastic.
“I would like to thank all those involved for making the day such a success.”
CFRs are volunteers who live and work in local communities, trained and activated by the ambulance service, to attend certain calls where time can make the difference between life and death.
Such calls would include chest pain, breathing difficulties, cardiac arrest and unconsciousness and the responder’s role is to provide care and support to the patient and relatives until the arrival of the emergency ambulance.
Visit www.nwas-responders.info to find out more information.